Tim Cahill goal helps Red Bulls regain MLS lead

Seattle: Australian international Tim Cahill scored a 76th-minute equaliser to help the New York Red Bulls secure a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Sunday and return to the top of the MLS standings.

The Red Bulls lead the eastern conference with 52 points, one clear of the Sounders, who share the Western Conference lead with Real Salt Lake.

Brad Evans opened the scoring with a penalty for the Sounders just before half-time. Cahill scored his ninth goal of the season to equalise.

The Columbus Crew had a 4-2 win over FC Dallas at Frisco, with Dominic Oduro scoring once and setting up Jairo Arrieta’s goal in the first half.

The Crew moved into a share of sixth place in the eastern conference, a point out of a play-off spot with three matches remaining.

Portland held on for a 1-0 win at home to the Los Angeles Galaxy to solidify their hold on the fourth spot in the MLS standings, with Maximiliano Urruti scoring his first Major League Soccer goal.

Urruti was acquired by the Timbers this month from Toronto FC, who had only signed him in August from Argentina’s top division Newell’s Old Boys. His goal was a deftly executed flick in the 52nd minute that fooled Los Angeles goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.

The two-time defending MLS champions Galaxy are winless in their last four matches and remain in fourth place in the western conference.

San Jose kept their play-off hopes alive with Chris Wondolowski scoring in the 87th minute of a 1-0 win over Chivas USA.